Friday Conversations With A Self-Publishing Writer 6/13/14

WALK THIS WAY

Are you ready to PUBLISH? Maybe close to being ready? Knees knocking at the thought of sending out query letters to publishers or trying to find the right literary agent? As ancient outrigger pirates and outerspace starship captains are known to shout, “Belay THAT!”

Don’t you just love the word belay? It is one of those transitive/intransitive verbs that allow writers some creative latitude without totally making up our own definitions. SO, using the intransitive imperative form, I say, BELAY (stop/quit) focusing on your publishing fears! And, using the transitive form, I will add, BELAY! MAKE FAST (secure) your authorship plans with the goal of self-publishing!

At this very moment I have three clients—yes THREE—who are approaching the moment of being a published author through the avenue of self-publishing. One client (and I) have just completed her manuscript and submitted it to her TEAM of professionals for the finishing stages of this marvelous process. It is quite comforting to know that you (the author) have your own crew of talented and creative assistants who will help you navigate this brief voyage and make sure you and your book reach the shore with ease.

Over the last ten years or so I have queried, spoken with and worked with several self-publishing representatives in this growing industry which most folks are now calling the Print-on-Demand Publishing industry. They all have a vision toward the future that utilizes current printing technology at its peak performance while incorporating the professional skills and abilities of real people. I cannot explain how the technology works so I’ll let you research that for yourself. Wikipedia is always a good place to start. However, I can offer my opinion on why this industry is thriving.

First: As our world population grows—so grows the number of creatively inspired writers in all genres. This self-publishing industry is FILLING A NEED—offering the opportunity of publication to everyone.

Second: In the past, authors were forced to march-to-the-drum of the big publishing houses—and their editors. If a creatively addressed topic was sent to such a publisher and they actually considered printing it, their editorial process could (and often did) strip the heart right out of the original manuscript. However, the author had signed the editing agreement and learned to promote the book “as published.” Of course, other exciting manuscripts were “rejected” and never saw the light of day.

Third: Today, what was once called (disparagingly) “vanity press publishing,” is now Print-on-Demand Self-Publishing and a highly recognized and established business. The entrepreneurs of a generation ago picked up their dreams and developed what many are calling “a truly legitimate power to be reckoned with;” “an explosive and exciting arm of publishing” that will impact the publishing industry in positive ways for generations to come.

MORE on this next-time…

Thanks for reading, writing and encouraging every fellow author you meet.

ABOUT ROYALENE DOYLE: Royalene Doyle is a Ghostwriter with Outskirts Press, bringing more than 35 years of writing experience to authors who need “just a little assistance” with completing their writing projects. She has worked with both experienced and fledgling writers helping complete projects in multiple genres. When a writer brings the passion they have for their work and combines it with Royalene’s passion to see the finished project in print, books are published and the writer’s legacy is passed forward.